Fort Smith native proud of role in ‘True Grit’ remake

Candyce Hinkle is not sure what the movie remake of “True Grit” will do to boost Fort Smith’s tourism industry, but the Fort Smith native and cast member of the new Coen Brothers movie is more than happy to help Fort Smith.

Hinkle, who graduated from Northside High School in Fort Smith in 1965 and now lives in Little Rock, is Mrs. Floyd in the “True Grit” remake. In that role, she is the landlady of a boarding house in which Mattie Ross stays while in Fort Smith.

“True Grit,” the novel published in 1968 and written by Charles Portis, follows Mattie Ross from Dardanelle through Fort Smith and into Oklahoma in her quest to avenge her father’s death. In Fort Smith, she convinces U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn to help her.

In the 1969 movie, John Wayne portrayed Cogburn and won an Oscar for his effort. The film cast included Strother Martin, Glen Campbell, Robert Duvall and Dennis Hopper.

On Dec. 22, renowned film directors Joel and Ethan Coen (think “Raising Arizona,” “Fargo,” “The Big Lebowski,” “O’ Brother Where Art Thou” and “No Country for Old Men”) will release a remake of the movie with Jeff Bridges portraying Rooster Cogburn. The movie also includes Matt Damon and Josh Brolin.

The Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau is working with others to conduct “Gritapalooza” activities around the opening of the new movie. (Link here for details on the activities.) The activities are intended to bring national attention to Fort Smith, with the hopes that such attention will increase tourism and possibly help boost fundraising efforts for the U.S. Marshals Museum.

Hinkle left Fort Smith to teach at the Arkansas School for the Deaf. She retired from that work, and used her free time to act at The Arkansas Repertory Theatre and Murry’s Dinner Playhouse.

“Acting is me going out to play, me enjoying the Golden Years,” Hinkle told The City Wire.

In addition to a role in Harp’s commercials, Hinkle has appeared in Hollywood films including “Come Early Morning,” “Step Away From The Stone,” and “Three for the Road.” (Link here for her filmography.)

Hinkle read for the role during an audition held prior to Christmas 2009 in Little Rock. After not hearing from anyone for several months, Hinkle tossed her script, thinking she had not been selected. Then she got a call saying the role of Mrs. Floyd was between her and one other person. A few more weeks passed and then she got THE call.

Soon she was off to Granger, Texas, where she began shooting scenes with Hailee Steinfeld (Mattie Ross).

Hinkle admitted to being concerned that the 13-year-old actress the Coen Brothers selected to play the important role of Ross would be “a little snot.” The concern was unnecessary.

“She was delightful, and a typical 13-year old,” Hinkle explained, adding that the young Steinfeld was most excited about getting home to attend a friend’s birthday party.

“Here she was, with (Jeff) Bridges and all these great actors, and yet she was most excited about going home for the weekend and going to that party,” Hinkle said.

The experience has special meaning for Hinkle — she landed a role in a major movie and the movie has a direct connection to Fort Smith.

“I realize what a lucky person I am, at this stage of my life to have this opportunity,” Hinkle said, adding that she wishes her father — C.B. Blackard — was around to see it.

As to whether the efforts of Fort Smith to generate tangible benefits to the tourism industry and the U.S. Marshals Museum as a result of the hype around the “True Grit” remake, Hinkle isn’t sure. She is certain that the activity can’t hurt.

“I think that’s absolutely fabulous,” Hinkle said of the Gritapalooza activities. “It’s what makes Fort Smith unique, and I’m just delighted to be able to do this.”

Hinkle did stress that the Coen’s are aware of Fort Smith’s history and its vital role in the movie. She likes to tell the story of Ethan Coen saying he liked her accent, with Hinkle telling him that her “accent” comes from being born and raised in Fort Smith. Hinkle said he then asked her several questions about the city, and she was able to tell him that she was in school with relatives of Judge Isaac Parker and U.S. Marshal Cal Whitson.

After filming, Hinkle was called back to do voice overs for her film scenes. During that work, Ethan asked Hinkle to relay her connection to Fort Smith to Joel.

“I know that they have done some research on the actual history of Fort Smith, and that they are interested in it. Now whether that will get us anywhere, I don’t know,” Hinkle said.